Account Executive - Public Sector (Chicago, IL)

Overview

The role is regional and field-based, with local travel across greater Chicago, IL and regular in-office collaboration in our Itasca, IL office.

The Account Executive is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and acquiring new customers within an assigned local market territory, targeting small to mid-sized organizations across your vertical/segment. This outside sales role focuses on building a robust pipeline through prospecting, networking, relationship development, and cold-calling activities while positioning ODP Business Solutions' products, services, and solutions to maximize customer value and market penetration. The Account Executive works collaboratively with implementation, sales support, and product specialists to drive customer acquisition, revenue growth, and long-term account success. Success in this role requires strong territory planning, consultative selling skills, pipeline management, and the ability to build trusted relationships with key decision makers throughout the local market.

Primary Responsibilities:

• New Account Acquisition: Engage in outside sales activities to identify, prospect, and close new business opportunities within an assigned local market territory. Develop relationships with decision makers, influencers, end users, and buyers through in-person meetings, networking events, referrals, and cold-calling efforts. Leverage customer profiles, business needs assessments, and strategic pricing programs to present compelling solutions that secure new customer partnerships and drive profitable revenue growth. The expectation is that this role spends the majority of the time actively engaging customers and prospects within the assigned territory.
• Relationship Building & Market Development: Build and expand relationships with customers by utilizing consultative selling techniques and industry knowledge to uncover business challenges and opportunities. Develop a deep understanding of the local market, assigned industries, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth. Forecast business activity, maintain an active sales pipeline, and consistently achieve or exceed assigned sales and revenue objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maximize customer value and support long-term account success.
• Territory & CRM Management: Take ownership of territory planning, business development strategies, and execution of sales initiatives. Maintain accurate customer, prospect, activity, and pipeline information within Salesforce and other sales systems to support forecasting, reporting, account planning, and overall data integrity.
• Sales Leadership & Collaboration: Serve as a resource on customer requirements, market insights, and effective selling strategies. Share best practices and collaborate with internal partners, sales support teams, and subject matter experts to resolve customer issues, support organizational goals, and drive sales success across the local market.

Education and Experience:

• Level of Formal Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Area of Study: High School diploma or equivalent, Bachelors preferred
• Minimum Years of Experience: 2
• Type of Experience:
  • Demonstrated relationship building, negotiation, and closing skills (through work experience, internships, or other relevant activities)
  • Experience or aptitude in consultative selling, needs analysis, and solution recommendation
  • Ability to work in a deadline driven, fast paced environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to change
  • Experience working in a team environment and collaborating to achieve shared goals
• Technical Competencies & Information Systems:             
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Working knowledge of CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce.com) preferred
  • Ability to learn and effectively use internal systems, sales tools, and reporting platforms
• Skills & Abilities:             
  • Sales & Business Development:
    • Proven ability or strong potential to be an impactful member of the sales team through achievement of monthly sales and revenue goals
    • Ability to conduct consultative analyses with customers and provide tailored product and solution recommendations
    • Capability to develop long term client relationships that support renewals, upsell, and cross sell opportunities
    • Experience or comfort driving the sales process by securing and conducting face to face meetings with key decision makers
  • Networking & Prospecting:
    • Ability to build an expansive network through persuasive sales calls, customer visits, industry events, and internal referrals
    • Comfort with cold calling and initiating contact with new prospects
  • Communication & Professionalism:
    • Effective written and spoken English communication skills with all levels of customer and internal stakeholders
    • Strong presentation and interpersonal skills; able to communicate value propositions clearly and confidently
  • Organization & Execution:
    • Strong time management, organizational, and follow up skills
    • Ability to maintain and update CRM databases with all required customer, contact, and activity information
    • Proven ability to meet or exceed assigned revenue goals and sales quotas within an assigned set of accounts or territory
  • Mobility & Territory Coverage:
    • Ability to customarily and regularly travel within the assigned territory to meet with customers and prospects
• Additional Language Skills: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English required.
• Personal Attributes & Other/Preferred:
  • Related work experience in sales, customer service, or business development is preferred
  • Valid driver’s license and a driving record in good standing
  • Strong initiative, self motivation, and resilience in the face of challenges
  • Ability to provide regular updates and reports to management on account activities, sales forecasts, and client feedback
  • Professional, goal oriented, and results driven mindset

About The ODP Group: The ODP Group, through its business entities ODP Business Solutions and Office Depot, is a leading provider of products, services, and technology solutions through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, online presence, and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores.  

Commitment to Safety: We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for our Coworkers and our customers. All Coworkers are expected to support our operational safety culture by working safely and addressing potential hazards or concerns.  

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Coworkers assigned to this classification and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of Coworkers so classified. Other duties may be assigned.   

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: The salary range for this role is $66,000/year to $69,000/year, however all state and local minimum wages will be complied with, resulting in a possible adjustment to the salary range displayed. The company offers competitive salaries, a benefits package, which includes a 401(k) and more, along with plenty of opportunities to move and grow within our organization! You may be eligible to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions.  

Equal Employment Opportunity: The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.    

Application Deadline: The job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 days and will expire once the position has been filled.  

How to Apply: Click the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions on each page. When you have completed the application, click the “Submit” button.